BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, APRIL 17
The main ports of the Sultanate of Oman — Salalah, Sohar and Duqm — achieved 8 per cent total growth in their operations in 2022. More than 62.3 million tonnes of general cargo were handled with a growth rate of 10 per cent compared to 2021.
The liquid cargo handled amounted to more than 23.7 million tonnes, an increase of 22 per cent compared to 2021. The number of containers handled in the three ports amounted to about 5.2 million standard containers, and more than 1.59 million head of livestock and 71.7 thousand vehicles and equipment were handled. More than 6,500 ships docked to these ports in 2022.
The Port of Salalah ranked second in the ranking of the most efficient container ports in the world, according to the Container Ports Performance Index 2021 report issued by World Bank.
In addition, the number of containers handled in the port in one day reached 1,157 containers, which is a record since its opening.
The Port of Salalah also increased its capacity to meet the growing global demand in accordance with the expansion strategy adopted by the Asyad Group, so it put into service 16 gantry cranes and 3 mobile jib cranes for the general cargo berth and proceeded to develop the capabilities of the port’s container terminal in Q4 2022 and prepare it to receive giant container ships.
In the framework of enhancing operational capabilities, the Port of Salalah launched a new shipping line directly linking China and Yemen through the Al Mazunah land crossing.
It also concluded a global strategic partnership to start the business of refuelling ships, with the aim of transforming the Port of Salalah into a preferred regional destination for refuelling services for ship operators.
On the other hand, Sohar Port witnessed the year 2022 as a model for the operational integration of the various Asyad units, as the port received the first batch of containers via Asyad Lines coming from the Singapore and Malaysian ports, with a full occupancy rate of 100 per cent, which indicates an expected annual operating volume of 100 thousand modules for this line only.
The port also launched the direct line that passes through the ports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya and Greece, in cooperation with the international companies CMA CGM and Hutchinson Ports.
Sohar Port also continued its expansion plans by signing an agreement in June 2022 to expand storage facilities with C-Steinweg Oman, which is responsible for operating the third terminal at the port.
It also concluded another pact with Advario to extend the contract for operating the oil storage terminal, to enhance the port’s capacity and to develop the level of its integrated services as a major marine gateway to the industrial sector in Oman.
With regard to the port of Duqm, which was officially opened in February 2022, it has begun to receive and operate heavy logistical machinery and equipment, including mobile gantry cranes and cranes for unloading goods from ships.
It signed an agreement with Jindal Shadeed Group to establish a green iron production plant on an area estimated at 2 square kilometres and investments of approximately $3 billion.
It also signed a land reservation agreement with Mitsui and Partners Ltd and Kobe Steel to develop a ferrous metals project with Low carbon dioxide emissions at the port of Duqm.
At the level of free zones, the volume of confirmed investments in Sohar Free Zone, Salalah Free Zone and Khazaen Economic City reached more than RO 600 million in 2022, which confirms the success of the group’s strategy in attracting global capital to its free and economic zones, and strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a safe and desirable destination for global investments.
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